Xanthogaleruca luteola

Definition

A species of leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) native to Europe that has become invasive across North America, Australia, and other temperate regions. Adults are yellow-green to dull olive, approximately 6–8 mm long, with a dark lateral stripe on each elytron; larvae are black to yellow, slug-like, and feed gregariously on elm foliage. The species is a significant defoliator of Ulmus species, with feeding damage that can reduce tree vigor, predispose elms to Dutch elm disease, and cause aesthetic injury in urban plantings.

Etymology

From Greek xanthos (yellow) + Galeruca (related leaf beetle genus); luteola from Latin luteus (golden yellow), referring to the adult coloration.

Example

In the Central Valley of California, Xanthogaleruca luteola completes three to four overlapping generations per year on Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), with peak larval densities in June and September causing near-total defoliation of street trees.

Synonyms

• elm-leaf beetle
• Elm leaf beetle

Related Terms

• Chrysomelidae
• Ulmus
• defoliation
• Invasive species
• Integrated Pest Management
• Dutch elm disease
• Galerucella

Usage Notes

The specific epithet is often misspelled 'luteola' (correct) versus 'lutea' or 'luteolus'; gender agreement follows the feminine genus Xanthogaleruca. In pest management literature, the common name 'elm leaf beetle' is frequently used without the hyphen. The species is sometimes confused with the elm flea beetle (Altica ulmi) or the larger elm leaf beetle (Monocesta coryli), neither of which are congeneric.